When Helly Shah sat down with NDTV, she didn’t just talk about her new role; she unpacked a lesson the industry keeps forgetting.
Sarabhai Vs Sarabhai didn’t start as a hit. Launched in 2004, its fast‑paced, English‑inflected wit was a step ahead of its time, and the network pulled the plug after 70–80 episodes. It was only in 2007 that the show resurfaced, and from there it cemented itself as a cult classic.
Chumbak, the latest brainchild of creators Jamnadas JD Majethia and Aatish Kapadia, is living that same slow‑burn vibe. Set in Mumbai’s fictional Chumbak Colony, the series follows five quirky families living in a tight‑knit neighborhood. Netflix dropped the first eight episodes on November 15, and audiences are already binge‑watching.
Helly’s Twinkle Oberoi is a polar opposite of the dentist Dr. Preeti Singh she played in Gullak Season 4. The ditzy, self‑obsessed character flits from one misadventure to the next, and Helly carries every scene on her shoulders, making the humor feel fresh and immediate.
Neena Gupta’s cameo added another layer of authenticity. Known for her candid, unfiltered interviews, Gupta’s presence in Chumbak feels like a breath of honest air, and fans have already been sharing clips on social media.
While the first season is still unfolding, the buzz is building. Fans are already talking about the next eight episodes, with many saying they’re waiting for the show to become a staple in their living‑room discussions. If Chumbak keeps this momentum, it could very well follow Sarabhai’s path to an iconic status.